Tether clip system

ABSTRACT

Reliable and durable tether clips that continue to tether two panels together while allowing for a controlled displacement between the two panels in response to a predetermined force are disclosed. The tether clips according to the present invention include a first retaining means near a first end that is adapted to be securable to a first panel, a second retaining means that is engageable with the second panel and limits the relative separation between the panels, and a releasable fastener means intermediate the first and second retaining means that normally maintains the two panels in a closed configuration relative to one another but that releases at least one of the panels relative to the other panel in response to a predetermined force tending to separate the panels.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/263,875, filed on Oct. 2, 2002, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/243,803,filed on Sep. 13, 2002.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of Invention This invention relates generally to a panelfastener or clip that normally fastens two panels together but allowsfor a predetermined displacement between the panels in response to apredetermined force applied to the panels.

[0003] 2. Brief Description of the Related Art

[0004] In many applications the need arises to fasten one panel toanother. For example, in the automotive industry the interior doorpanels of the vehicle must be securely fastened to the sheet metalforming part of the vehicle door. Many fasteners for this purpose havebeen proposed in the art. Examples of such panel fasteners can be seenin U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,758,987 and 6,042,296. However, there remains a needin the art for panel fasteners that, while securing two panels togetherunder normal circumstances, will also allow for a controlleddisplacement between the two panels in response to the application of apredetermined force. An example, of an application requiring this typeof fastener is in cars having side airbags that are concealed by theinterior door panels. In such cars, when the side airbag inflates in anaccident, the panels must be allowed to be displaced relative to oneanother to allow the airbag to be deployed properly, however, the panelsshould not be allowed to become completely disconnected. If an interiorpanel is allowed to separate completely upon deployment of the airbag,then the loose panel could act as a projectile that can cause injury toa vehicle's occupants. Furthermore, by limiting the displacement betweenthe panels, reinstallation of the panel subsequent to the deployment ofthe airbag becomes much easier. The need persists in the art for areliable and durable panel fastener or clip that will continue to tethertwo panels together while allowing for a controlled displacement betweenthe two panels in response to a predetermined force.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention is directed to reliable and durable panelfasteners or tether clips that continue to tether two panels togetherwhile allowing for a controlled displacement between the two panels inresponse to a predetermined force. The panel fasteners or tether clipsaccording to the present invention include a first retaining means neara first end that is adapted to be securable to a first panel, a secondretaining means that is engageable with the second panel and limits therelative separation between the panels, and a releasable fastener meansintermediate the first and second retaining means that normallymaintains the two panels in a closed configuration relative to oneanother but that releases at least one of the panels relative to theother panel in response to a predetermined force tending to separate thepanels. The type of panel fasteners that, while securing two panelstogether under normal circumstances, will also allow for a controlleddisplacement between the two panels in response to the application of apredetermined force, are referred to herein as tether clips.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIGS. 1-3 are views of a first embodiment of a tether clip systemaccording to the present invention.

[0007] FIGS. 4-8 are views of a second embodiment of a tether clipsystem according to the present invention.

[0008] FIGS. 9-13 are views of a third embodiment of a tether clipsystem according to the present invention.

[0009] FIGS. 14-27 are views of a fourth embodiment of a tether clipsystem according to the present invention.

[0010]FIG. 28 shows a tether clip integrally made with a panel.

[0011]FIG. 29 is a view of a fifth embodiment of a tether clip systemaccording to the present invention.

[0012] FIGS. 30-45 are views of a sixth embodiment of a tether clipsystem according to the present invention.

[0013] FIGS. 46-57 are views of a seventh embodiment of a tether clipsystem according to the present invention.

[0014] FIGS. 58-64 are views of an eighth embodiment of a tether clipsystem according to the present invention.

[0015] Like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout theseveral views.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, an illustrative example of a tether clipsystem according to the present invention can be seen. The tether clipsystem of FIGS. 1-3 includes a tether clip 100 for fastening a firstpanel 102 relative to a second panel 104. The tether clip 100 comprisesa first retaining means 106 adapted to be securable to the first panel102; a second retaining means 108 that is engageable with the secondpanel 104 and limits the relative separation between the first andsecond panels; and a releasable fastener means 110 intermediate thefirst and second retaining means 106 and 108. The releasable fastenermeans 110 is adapted to be releasably engageable with the second panel104. The releasable fastener means 110 is adapted to normally maintainthe first and second panels in a closed configuration relative to oneanother as shown in FIG. 2. The releasable fastener means 110 isdesigned to release the second panel 104 in response to a force tendingto separate the first and second panels that is greater than a firstpredetermined value, thus allowing the panel 104 to move to the positionshown in FIG. 3.

[0017] The first panel 102 has a first opening 112 and the second panel104 has a second opening 114. The first retaining means 106 comprises ashoulder 116; a first body portion 118 projecting from a first side ofthe shoulder 116 and having an end distal from the shoulder 116. Thefirst body portion 118 has a first longitudinal axis that is coincidentwith the longitudinal axis of the tether clip 100. The first retainingmeans 106 further includes a first pair of resilient snap legs 120attached to the first body portion 118 proximate the end of the firstbody portion distal from the shoulder 116. Each of the first pair ofresilient snap legs 120 has a proximal end and a distal end. Each of thefirst pair of resilient snap legs 120 is attached to the first bodyportion 118 proximate the proximal end of each of the first pair ofresilient snap legs. Each of the first pair of resilient snap legs 120extends from the proximal end thereof generally in a direction toward aplane coincident with the first side 122 of the shoulder 116 and atleast in part diverging away from the longitudinal axis of the tetherclip 100.

[0018] Each of the first pair of resilient snap legs 120 has at leastone notch 124 provided proximate the distal end of each of the firstpair of resilient snap legs 120. When the first retaining means 106 issecured to the first panel 102, at least a portion of the first panel102 proximate the first opening 112 is captured between at least aportion of the shoulder 116 and the notch 124 in each of the first pairof resilient snap legs 120 to thereby secure the tether clip 100 to thefirst panel 102.

[0019] The releasable fastener means 110 comprises a second body portion126 projecting from a second side 128 of the shoulder 116 and has an enddistal from the shoulder 116. The second body portion 126 has a secondlongitudinal axis in line with the first longitudinal axis and thuscoincident with the longitudinal axis of the tether clip 100. Thereleasable fastener means 110 further comprises a second pair ofresilient snap legs 130 attached to the second body portion 126proximate the end of the second body portion distal from the shoulder116.

[0020] Each of the second pair of resilient snap legs 130 has a proximalend and a distal end. Each of the second pair of resilient snap legs 130is attached to the second body portion 126 proximate the proximal end ofeach of the second pair of resilient snap legs 130, and a portion ofeach of the second pair of resilient snap legs 130 extends fromproximate the proximal end of each of the second pair of resilient snaplegs generally in a direction toward a plane coincident with the secondside 128 of the shoulder and that diverges away from the longitudinalaxis of the tether clip 100.

[0021] Each of the second pair of resilient snap legs 130 has a surfaceportion 132 proximate the distal end thereof that converges toward thelongitudinal axis of the tether clip with decreasing distance from thesecond side 128 of the shoulder 116. When the releasable fastener means110 is secured to the second panel 104 (as shown in FIGS. 2, 7, and 8)at least a portion of the second panel 104 proximate the second opening114 is captured between at least a portion of the shoulder 116 and thesurface portion 132 proximate the distal end of each of the second pairof resilient snap legs 130 to thereby secure the second panel 104 to thefirst panel 102 in the closed configuration of FIGS. 2, 7, and 8. Thesurface portion 132 proximate the distal end of each of the second pairof resilient snap legs 130 cooperates with the portion of the secondpanel 104 proximate the second opening 114 to bend the second pair ofresilient snap legs 130 toward the longitudinal axis of the tether clipto thereby allow the second panel 104 to be released from the releasablefastener means 110 to the positions shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6 when thereleasable fastener means is initially secured to the second panel 104and a force tending to move the first and second panels apart and of amagnitude greater than the first predetermined value is applied.

[0022] The second retaining means 108 comprises a third body portion 138attached to the releasable fastener means 110 proximate the proximal endof each of the second pair of resilient snap legs 130. The third bodyportion 138 has an end distal from the releasable fastener means 110.The third body portion 138 has a third longitudinal axis in line withthe second longitudinal axis and the longitudinal axis of the tetherclip 100. The third body portion 138 has a third pair of resilient snaplegs 136 attached to the third body portion 138 proximate the end of thethird body portion distal from the releasable fastener means 110.

[0023] Each of the third pair of resilient snap legs 136 has a proximalend and a distal end. Each of the third pair of resilient snap legs 136is attached to the third body portion 138 proximate the proximal end ofeach of the third pair of resilient snap legs 136. Each of the thirdpair of resilient snap legs 136 extends from the proximal end thereofgenerally in a direction toward a plane coinciding with the second side128 of the shoulder 116 and at least in part diverges away from thelongitudinal axis of the tether clip.

[0024] Each of the third pair of resilient snap legs 136 has at leastone notch 134 provided proximate the distal end of each of the thirdpair of resilient snap legs 136. The notch 134 in each of the third pairof resilient snap legs 136 can engage at least a portion of the secondpanel 104 proximate the second opening 114 to limit the separationbetween the first and second panels 102 and 104 when the second panel104 is released by the releasable fastener means 110 (as shown in FIGS.3, 5, and 6) after being initially secured to the first panel 102 by thereleasable fastener means 110. The snap legs 136 will maintain the panel104 in the position shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6 as long as any appliedforce tending to move the first and second panels 102 and 104 furtherapart is of a magnitude less than a second predetermined value.

[0025] In the tether clip 100, wherein a medial plane passing throughboth the second pair of resilient snap legs 130 is substantially at aright angle measured about the longitudinal axis of the tether clip 100relative to a medial plane passing through both the third pair ofresilient snap legs 136.

[0026] The tether clip system of FIGS. 1-3 also includes up turnedportions 140. The first pair of regions 140 of the portion of the secondpanel 104 adjacent the second opening 144 are located on opposite sidesof the second opening 114 along a first axis. Each of the first pair ofregions 140 at least in part project outward from a first side of thesecond panel 104 facing the first panel 102 to form a pair of rampedsurfaces inclined relative to a medial plane of the portion of thesecond panel 104 having the second opening 114 therein. The regions 140present a smooth surface for engagement with the snap legs 130 when thesecond pair of resilient snap legs 130 engage with the portions of thesecond panel 104 proximate the second opening 114 to bend the secondpair of resilient snap legs 130 toward the longitudinal axis of thetether clip to thereby allow the second panel 104 to be released fromthe releasable fastener means 110. This feature provides better controlof the force required to release the panel 104 from the releasablefastener means 110 and helps prevent snags.

[0027] The tether clip system of FIGS. 4-8 is identical to that of FIGS.1-3 except for the differences noted below. The tether clip system ofFIGS. 4-8 has a means 142 for increasing retention strength between thesecond retaining means 108 and the second panel 104 when the secondpanel has been released from the releasable fastener means 110.

[0028] In the tether clip system of FIGS. 4-8, the means 142 forincreasing retention strength comprises a portion of the second panel104 having a second opening 114 a therein. The portion of the secondpanel 104 surrounding the second opening 114 a has a first pair ofregions 146 that are located on opposite sides of the second opening 114a along a first axis. Each of the first pair of regions 146 at least inpart project outward from a first side of the second panel 104 facingthe first panel 102 to form a pair of ramped surfaces inclined relativeto a medial plane of the portion of the second panel 104 having thesecond opening 114 a therein. A second pair of regions 144 of theportion of the second panel 104 adjacent the second opening 114 a arealso located on opposite sides of the second opening 114 a, but along asecond axis that is perpendicular to the first axis between the regions146 in plan view. Each of the second pair of regions 144 at least inpart project outward from a second side of the second panel opposite thefirst side of the second panel 104 and provide a catch that morepositively engages the snap legs 136 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Themeans 142 for increasing retention strength comprises the regions 144.

[0029] As an example of the use of the tether clip 100, Panel 102 may bethe interior panel of the door of a motor vehicle and the panel 104 maybe the sheet metal of the door. The retaining means 106 is attached tothe panel 102 by pressing in the portion 118 into the hole 112. Thesides of the hole 112 deform the snap legs 120. Once the notches 124clear the panel 102, the snap legs 120 snap open behind the panel 102 tosecure the tether clip 100 to the panel 102. Once the airbag is in placethe second retaining means 108 is pushed through the hole 114 or 114 a.As with snap legs 120, snap legs 136 deform by the action of the sidesof the hole 114 or 114 a to allow the snap legs 136 to pass through thehole 114 or 114 a and open up behind the panel 104 to prevent the tetherclip 100 from being pulled completely out of the hole 114 or 114 aunless a force exceeding the second predetermined force is applied tothe panels. The panel 104 can now move freely between the retainingmeans 108 and the releasable fastener means 110. To secure the panel 102in its normal position, the releasable fastener means 110 is snappedinto the hole 114 or 114 a. The snap legs 130 deform by the action ofthe sides of the hole 114 or 114 a to allow the snap legs 130 to passthrough the hole 114 or 114 a and open up behind the panel 104 to securethe panel 102 in the normal position of FIGS. 2, 7, and 8.

[0030] When the airbag inflates, a force in excess of the firstpredetermined value and tending to pull the panels apart is created. Theramped surfaces 132 catch the edges of the hole 114 or 114 a in a camaction that bends the snap legs 130 toward the longitudinal axis of thetether clip 100. This allows the insertion process of the releasablefastener means 110 to be reversed and for the releasable fastener means110 to release the panel 104. As the airbag inflates further, the snaplegs 136 catch the panel 104 and prevent the panel 102 from being pulledcompletely free from the vehicle door panel 104. Thus, an openingbetween panels 102 and 104 can be provided for the proper inflation ofthe airbag without allowing the panel 102 to become a projectile. Thesnap legs 136 are designed such that they fail at forces greater than asecond predetermined value that is higher than the forces encounteredduring airbag deployment. The second predetermined value is usuallygreater that the first predetermined value. The first predeterminedvalue can range from 10 to 50 lbs., and preferably from about 20 toabout 30 lbs., and even more preferably from 20 to 30 lbs. The secondpredetermined value can be in the range of 75 lbs. and greater, andpreferably is in the range of about 150 lbs. and greater, and even morepreferably about 150 lbs. The travel between the panels 102 and 104during airbag deployment is about 25 mm.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 9-13, a third illustrative embodiment of atether clip system according to the present invention can be seen. Thetether clip system of FIGS. 9-13 includes a tether clip 200, forfastening a first panel 202 relative to a second panel 204, and areceptacle 250. The tether clip 200 comprises a first retaining means206 adapted to be securable to the first panel 202; a second retainingmeans 208 that is engageable with the second panel 204 and limits therelative separation between the first and second panels; and areleasable fastener means 210 intermediate the first and secondretaining means 206 and 208. The releasable fastener means 210 isadapted to be releasably engageable with the second panel 204. Thereleasable fastener means 210 is adapted to normally maintain the firstand second panels in a closed configuration relative to one another asshown in FIGS. 10 and 11. The releasable fastener means 210 is designedto release the second panel 204 in response to a force tending toseparate the first and second panels that is greater than a firstpredetermined value, thus allowing the panel 204 to move to the positionshown in FIGS. 12 and 13.

[0032] The first panel 202 has a first opening 212 and the second panel204 has a second opening 214. The opening 214 is adapted to receive thereceptacle 250. The receptacle 250 has a portion 252 defining areceptacle opening 254 that is aligned with the second opening 214 whenthe receptacle 250 is mounted to the second panel 204. The receptacle250 further comprises at least one flange-like portion 256 adapted toengage a first side of the second panel 204 facing the first panel 202when the receptacle 250 is mounted to the second panel 204. Thereceptacle 250 further comprises a U-shaped leaf spring member 258having a first terminus 260 and a second terminus 262. The U-shaped leafspring member 258 is made of a resilient material. The U-shaped leafspring member 258 has a first arm portion 264 adjacent the firstterminus 260 and a second arm portion 266 adjacent the second terminus262. The U-shaped leaf spring member 258 is attached proximate the firstterminus 260 to the portion 252 defining the receptacle opening 254. TheU-shaped leaf spring member 258 has a projection 268 on the second armmember 266. The projection 268 has an inclined ramp surface on one sideand a catch surface on the other side. The catch surface of theprojection 268 is engageable to a second side of the second panel 204opposite the first side of the second panel, when the receptacle ismounted to the second panel 204, to thereby secure the receptacle 250 tothe second panel 204. The second side of the panel 204 is the side thatfaces away from the panel 202 when the two panels are fastened togetherby the tether clip 200.

[0033] The opening 214 in panel 204 is in the form of a circular openingportion 270 that has a first slot 272 extending from one side and asecond, shorter slot 274 extending from the other side. The slot 274 mayoptionally have a guide notch 276. The slot 274 provides clearance forthe attachment portion of the tab 278 that is attached to the receptacleportion 252. The tab 278 has a catch surface 280 that contacts thesecond side of the panel 204 to more strongly retain the receptacle 250on the panel 204. The receptacle 250 has an optional guide fin 282 thatfits into the guide notch 276. The guide notch 276 and guide fin 282cooperatively help to align the U-shaped leaf spring member 258 with theslot 272.

[0034] To install the receptacle 250 to the panel 204, the receptacle250 is canted and the tab 278 is positioned in the slot 274 such thatthe catch surface 280 is positioned under the second side of the panel204 with the guide fin 282 positioned in the guide notch 276. In thisposition, the U-shaped leaf spring member 258 is aligned with andpositioned at least in part in the slot 272. The side of the receptacleportion 252 to which the U-shaped leaf spring member 258 is attached isthen pushed in toward the panel 204. As the inclined ramp surface of theprojection 268 comes into contact with the squared-off end of the slot272, the arms 264 and 266 of the U-shaped leaf spring member 258 arebrought together such that the projection 268 clears the squared-off endof the slot 272. The side of the receptacle portion 252 to which theU-shaped leaf spring member 258 is attached is then pushed in furtheruntil the underside of the flange portions 256 contact the first surfaceof the panel 204. The arm portion 266 of the U-shaped leaf spring member258 then snaps back toward its original position relative to the armportion 264 of the U-shaped leaf spring member 258 such that the catchsurface of the projection 268 snaps under the second side of the secondpanel 204 to thereby secure the receptacle 250 to the second panel 204.When the receptacle 250 is secured to the panel 204, portions of thepanel 204 around the opening 214 are captured between flange-likeportions 256 on one side and the catch surface of the projection 268 andthe catch surface 280 of the tab 278 on the other side to secure thereceptacle 250 to the panel 204.

[0035] An annular shoulder is provided in the bore of the opening 254.In the example of FIGS. 9-13, this annular shoulder is provided by anannular, internal flange 284 provided in the bore of the opening 254.The function of the shoulder in the bore of the opening 254 is explainedbelow.

[0036] The first retaining means 206 comprises a shoulder 216; a firstbody portion 218 projecting from a first side of the shoulder 216 andhaving an end distal from the shoulder 216. The first body portion 218has a first longitudinal axis that is coincident with the longitudinalaxis of the tether clip 200. The first retaining means 206 furtherincludes a first pair of resilient snap legs 220 attached to the firstbody portion 218 proximate the end of the first body portion distal fromthe shoulder 216.

[0037] Each of the first pair of resilient snap legs 220 has a proximalend and a distal end. Each of the first pair of resilient snap legs 220is attached to the first body portion 218 proximate the proximal end ofeach of the first pair of resilient snap legs. Each of the first pair ofresilient snap legs 220 extends from the proximal end thereof generallyin a direction toward a plane coincident with the first side 222 of theshoulder 216 and at least in part diverging away from the longitudinalaxis of the tether clip 200.

[0038] Each of the first pair of resilient snap legs 220 has at leastone notch 224 provided proximate the distal end of each of the firstpair of resilient snap legs 220. When the first retaining means 206 issecured to the first panel 202, at least a portion of the first panel202 proximate the first opening 212 is captured between at least aportion of the shoulder 216 and the notch 224 in each of the first pairof resilient snap legs 220 to thereby secure the tether clip 200 to thefirst panel 202.

[0039] The releasable fastener means 210 comprises a second body portion226 projecting from a second side 228 of the shoulder 216 and has an enddistal from the shoulder 216. The second body portion 226 has a secondlongitudinal axis in line with the first longitudinal axis and thuscoincident with the longitudinal axis of the tether clip 200. Thereleasable fastener means 210 further comprises a second pair ofresilient snap legs 230 attached to the second body portion 226proximate the end of the second body portion distal from the shoulder216.

[0040] Each of the second pair of resilient snap legs 230 has a proximalend and a distal end. Each of the second pair of resilient snap legs 230is attached to the second body portion 226 proximate the proximal end ofeach of the second pair of resilient snap legs 230, and a portion ofeach of the second pair of resilient snap legs 230 extends fromproximate the proximal end of each of the second pair of resilient snaplegs generally in a direction toward a plane coincident with the secondside 228 of the shoulder and that diverges away from the longitudinalaxis of the tether clip 200.

[0041] Each of the second pair of resilient snap legs 230 has a surfaceportion 232 proximate the distal end thereof that converges toward thelongitudinal axis of the tether clip with decreasing distance from thesecond side 228 of the shoulder 216. When the releasable fastener means210 is secured to the second panel 204 via the receptacle 250 (as shownin FIGS. 10 and 11) at least a portion of the receptacle 250 proximatethe receptacle opening 254 is captured between at least a portion of theshoulder 216 and the surface portion 232 proximate the distal end ofeach of the second pair of resilient snap legs 230 to thereby secure thesecond panel 204 to the first panel 202 in the closed configuration ofFIGS. 10 and 11. The surface portion 232 proximate the distal end ofeach of the second pair of resilient snap legs 230 cooperates with theportion of the receptacle 250 proximate the receptacle opening 254 tobend the second pair of resilient snap legs 230 toward the longitudinalaxis of the tether clip to thereby allow the second panel 204 to bereleased from the releasable fastener means 210 to the positions shownin FIGS. 12 and 13 when the releasable fastener means is initiallysecured to the receptacle 250 installed in the second panel 204 and aforce is applied that tends to move the first and second panels apartand that is of a magnitude greater than the first predetermined value.

[0042] The second retaining means 208 comprises a third body portion 238attached to the releasable fastener means 210 proximate the proximal endof each of the second pair of resilient snap legs 230. The third bodyportion 238 has an end distal from the releasable fastener means 210.The third body portion 238 has a third longitudinal axis in line withthe second longitudinal axis and the longitudinal axis of the tetherclip 200. The third body portion 238 has a third pair of resilient snaplegs 236 attached to the third body portion 238 proximate the end of thethird body portion distal from the releasable fastener means 210.

[0043] Each of the third pair of resilient snap legs 236 has a proximalend and a distal end. Each of the third pair of resilient snap legs 236is attached to the third body portion 238 proximate the proximal end ofeach of the third pair of resilient snap legs 236. Each of the thirdpair of resilient snap legs 236 extends from the proximal end thereofgenerally in a direction toward a plane coinciding with the second side228 of the shoulder 216 and at least in part diverges away from thelongitudinal axis of the tether clip.

[0044] Each of the third pair of resilient snap legs 236 has at leastone notch 234 provided proximate the distal end of each of the thirdpair of resilient snap legs 236. The notch 234 in each of the third pairof resilient snap legs 236 can engage at least a portion of the shoulderdefined by the flange 284 in the bore of the receptacle opening 254 tolimit the separation between the first and second panels 202 and 204when the second panel 204 is released by the releasable fastener means210 (as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13) after being initially secured to thefirst panel 202 by the releasable fastener means 210. The snap legs 236will maintain the panel 204 in the position shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 aslong as any applied force tending to move the first and second panels202 and 204 further apart is of a magnitude less than a secondpredetermined value.

[0045] In the tether clip 200, a medial plane passing through both thesecond pair of resilient snap legs 230 is substantially coplanar with amedial plane passing through both the third pair of resilient snap legs236. The body portion 238 has a relatively large width at a positionalong its length corresponding approximately to the distal ends of theresilient snap legs 236. This relatively large width is slightly smallerthan the interior diameter of the annular flange 284 and ensures thatthe resilient snap legs 236 are properly positioned relative to thereceptacle opening 254 just before the distal ends of the resilient snaplegs 236 contact the shoulder in the bore of the receptacle opening 254.The body portion 238 has a narrower width proximate the proximal end ofeach of the second pair of resilient snap legs 230 as compared to theportion having the relatively large width located at the position alongthe length of the body portion 238 corresponding approximately to thedistal ends of the resilient snap legs 236. The portion of the bodyportion 238 extending from proximate the proximal end of each of thesecond pair of resilient snap legs 230 to the position correspondingapproximately to the distal ends of the resilient snap legs 236, iscored out to save on material costs and weight thus forming the opening240.

[0046] The tether clip 200 may be directly fastened to the second panel204 in the same manner as the tether clip of FIGS. 1-3. However, usingthe receptacle 250 has several advantages. First, the cost anddifficulty of providing the complex geometry of the holes such as thosein the panels 104 of FIGS. 1-8 is avoided. By having better control overthe geometry and materials of the structures that come in contact thereleasable fastener means and the second retaining means, the requiredrelease force specifications can be more accurately met. The material ofthe receptacle 250 can be selected for better compatibility with thereleasable fastener means and the second retaining means to reduce wearand damage to these parts. Particularly if the panels 104 and 204 are ofsheet metal, using the receptacle 250 can prevent contact between thetether clip and sharp edges in the sheet metal that could cause thetether clip to fail.

[0047] As an example of the use of the tether clip 200, panel 202 may bethe interior panel of the door of a motor vehicle and the panel 204 maybe the sheet metal of the door. The retaining means 206 is attached tothe panel 202 by pressing in the portion 218 into the hole 212. Thesides of the hole 212 deform the snap legs 220. Once the notches 224clear the panel 202, the snap legs 220 snap open behind the panel 202 tosecure the tether clip 200 to the panel 202. The receptacle 250 isinstalled in the hole 214 of panel 204 as previously described. Once theairbag is in place the second retaining means 208 is pushed through thehole 254 of the receptacle 250. As with snap legs 220, snap legs 236deform by the action of the sides of the hole 254 to allow the snap legs236 to pass through the hole 254 and open up behind the shoulder in thebore of the hole 254 to prevent the tether clip 200 from being pulledcompletely out of the receptacle 250 unless a force exceeding the secondpredetermined force is applied to the panels. The panel 204 can now movefreely between the retaining means 208 and the releasable fastener means210. To secure the panel 202 in its normal position, the releasablefastener means 210 is snapped into the hole 254. The snap legs 230deform by the action of the sides of the hole 254 to allow the snap legs230 to pass through the hole 254 and open up behind the opening 254 tosecure the panel 202 in the normal position of FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0048] When the airbag inflates, a force in excess of the firstpredetermined value and tending to pull the panels apart is created. Theramped surfaces 232 catch the edges of the hole 254 in a cam action thatbends the snap legs 230 toward the longitudinal axis of the tether clip200. This allows the insertion process of the releasable fastener means210 to be reversed and for the releasable fastener means 210 to releasethe panel 204. As the airbag inflates further, the snap legs 236 catchthe receptacle 250 and consequently the panel 204 and prevent the panel202 from being pulled completely free from the vehicle door panel 204.Thus, an opening between panels 202 and 204 can be provided for theproper inflation of the airbag without allowing the panel 202 to becomea projectile. The snap legs 236 are designed such that they fail atforces greater than a second predetermined value that is higher than theforces encountered during airbag deployment. The second predeterminedvalue is usually greater that the first predetermined value. The firstpredetermined value can range from 10 to 50 lbs., and preferably fromabout 20 to about 30 lbs., and even more preferably from 20 to 30 lbs.The second predetermined value can be in the range of 75 lbs. andgreater, and preferably is in the range of about 150 lbs. and greater,and even more preferably is about 150 lbs. The travel between the panels202 and 204 during airbag deployment is about 25 mm.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 14-27, a fourth illustrative embodiment of atether clip system according to the present invention can be seen. Thetether clip system of FIGS. 14-27 is used for fastening a first panel302 having a first opening 312 in a closed configuration relative to asecond panel 304 having a second opening 314. The tether clip system ofFIGS. 14-27 includes a tether clip 300 and a receptacle 350. Thereceptacle 350 is adapted for mounting to the second opening 314 in thesecond panel 304.

[0050] The tether clip 300 includes first retaining means 306 adapted tobe securable to the first panel 302 and second retaining means 308. Thesecond retaining means 308 engages with the receptacle 350 in order tolimit the relative separation between the first and second panels 302and 304, when the receptacle 350 is mounted to the second panel 404, thetether clip 300 is mounted to the first panel 302, and the first andsecond panels 302 and 304 are in an open configuration relative to oneanother (see FIGS. 17 and 18).

[0051] The tether clip system of FIGS. 14-27, also includes releasablefastener means adapted to releasably engage the tether clip 300 to thereceptacle 350 when the receptacle is mounted to the second panel 304,the tether clip 300 is mounted to the first panel 302, and the first andsecond panels 302 and 304 are in a closed configuration relative to oneanother (see FIGS. 15 and 16). The releasable fastener means is adaptedto normally maintain the first and second panels 302, 304 in a closedconfiguration relative to one another as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. Thereceptacle 350 is also in a closed position relative to the tether clip300 when the first and second panels 302, 304 are in a closedconfiguration relative to one another. The releasable fastener meansallows the receptacle 350 to be released from its closed positionrelative to the tether clip 300 in response to a force tending toseparate the first and second panels 302, 304 that is greater than afirst predetermined value. The releasable fastener means is formed inpart by portions of the receptacle 350 and in part by portions of thetether clip 300.

[0052] The tether clip 300 is formed by an elongated body having alongitudinal axis, a first end 315, a second end 317, and a shoulder 316located intermediate the first end and the second end. The tether clip300 has a portion 310 having a first maximum width and locatedintermediate the shoulder 316 and the second end 317. The tether clip300 has a portion 326 having a second maximum width greater than thefirst maximum width and located intermediate the portion 310 having thefirst maximum width and the second end 317. The tether clip 300 has aportion 338 having a third maximum width less than the second maximumwidth and located intermediate the portion 326 having the second maximumwidth and the second end 317. The tether clip 300 has a catch surface334 that is spaced apart from the portion 326 having the second maximumwidth. The portion 338 having the third maximum width is locatedintermediate the portion 326 having the second maximum width and thecatch surface 334.

[0053] The tether clip 300 also has a pair of resilient snap legs 320attached to the elongated body at a location along a portion 318 of theelongated body forming the tether clip 300. The portion 318 of theelongated body extends from the shoulder 316 to the first end 315 of theelongated body and includes the first end 315 of the elongated body.

[0054] Each of the pair of resilient snap legs 320 has a proximal endand a distal end. Each of the pair of resilient snap legs 320 isattached to the elongated body proximate the proximal end of each of thepair of resilient snap legs 320. Each of the pair of resilient snap legs320 extends from the proximal end thereof generally in a directiontoward a plane coincident with the shoulder 316 and at least in partdiverging away from the longitudinal axis of the elongated body formingthe tether clip 300.

[0055] Each of the pair of resilient snap legs 320 has at least onenotch 324 provided proximate the distal end of each of the pair ofresilient snap legs 320. The first retaining means 306 includes the pairof resilient snap legs 320. When the first retaining means 306 issecured to the first panel 302, at least a portion of the first panel302 proximate the first opening 312 is captured between at least aportion of the shoulder 316 and the notch 324 in each of the pair ofresilient snap legs 320 to thereby secure the tether clip 300 to thefirst panel 302.

[0056] The receptacle 350 includes two receptacle body portions 352 thatare mirror images of one another. The receptacle 350 includesflange-like portions 356 attached to each of the receptacle bodyportions 352 and adapted to engage a first side of the second panel 304facing the first panel 302 when the receptacle 350 is mounted to thesecond panel 304. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the flange-likeportions 356 is integral with and forms part of the respective bodyportion 352.

[0057] The receptacle 350 includes two roughly U-shaped leaf springmembers 358. Each U-shaped leaf spring member 358 has a first terminus360 and a second terminus 362. Each U-shaped leaf spring member 358 hasa first arm portion 364 adjacent the first terminus 360 and a second armportion 366 adjacent the second terminus 362. The first terminus 360 ofeach U-shaped leaf spring member 358 is attached to a respective one ofthe receptacle body portions 352 and the second terminus 362 of eachU-shaped leaf spring member 358 is attached to the other one of thereceptacle body portions 352. Each the U-shaped leaf spring member 358has a projection 368 on each arm member 364, 366. Each projection 368has an inclined ramp surface 367 on one side and a catch surface 369 onthe other side. The catch surface 369 engages a second side of thesecond panel 304 when the receptacle 350 is mounted to the second panel304 to thereby secure the receptacle 350 to the second panel 304. Thesecond side of the second panel 304 is opposite the first side of thesecond panel 304 and in use faces away from the first panel 302.

[0058] The receptacle 350 includes at least one resilient finger 354attached to the receptacle body portion 352. In the illustrated examplethere are six resilient fingers 354. Each resilient finger 354 isengageable with the portion 310 of the elongated body having the firstmaximum width to thereby releasably retain the receptacle 350, andconsequently the panel 304, in a closed position relative to the tetherclip 300.

[0059] The portion 310 of the elongated body having the first maximumwidth and the portion 326 of the elongated body having the secondmaximum width cooperatively define a depression in the elongated bodyforming the tether clip 300 that can be engaged by the resilient fingers354 to thereby releasably retain the receptacle 350 in a closed positionrelative to the tether clip 300. In the embodiment of FIGS. 14-27, thereleasable fastener means includes the resilient fingers 354 and thedepression cooperatively defined by the portion 310 of the elongatedbody having the first maximum width and the portion 326 of the elongatedbody having the second maximum width.

[0060] In the illustrated example, the resilient fingers 354 extend intothe opening 314 in plan view when the receptacle 350 is installed in thepanel 304. Also the resilient fingers 354 slope down toward the catchsurface 334 when the receptacle 350 is in the closed position relativeto tether clip 300.

[0061] The opening 314 in panel 304 is in the form of a circular openingportion 370 that has a first slot 372 extending from one side and asecond 372 extending from the other side. To install the receptacle 350to the panel 304, the receptacle 350 is positioned over the opening 314such that the U-shaped leaf spring members 358 are aligned with andpositioned at least in part in the slots 372. The receptacle 350 is thenpushed in toward the panel 204. As the inclined ramp surfaces of theprojections 368 come into contact with the sides of the slots 372, thearms 364 and 366 of the U-shaped leaf spring members 358 are broughttogether such that the projections 368 clear the slots 372. Thereceptacle 350 is then pushed in further until the underside of theflange portions 356 contact the first surface of the panel 304. The armportions 366 of the U-shaped leaf spring members 358 then snap backtoward their original positions relative to the arm portions 364 suchthat the catch surfaces 369 of the projections 268 snap under the secondside of the second panel 304 to thereby secure the receptacle 350 to thesecond panel 304. When the receptacle 350 is secured to the panel 304,portions of the panel 304 around the opening 314 are captured betweenflange-like portions 356 on one side and the catch surfaces 369 of theprojections 368 on the other side to secure the receptacle 350 to thepanel 304.

[0062] As an example of the use of the tether clip 300, Panel 302 may bethe interior panel of the door of a motor vehicle and the panel 304 maybe the sheet metal of the door. The retaining means 306 is attached tothe panel 302 by pressing in the portion 318 into the hole 312. Thesides of the hole 312 deform the snap legs 320. Once the notches 324clear the panel 302, the snap legs 320 snap open behind the panel 302 tosecure the tether clip 300 to the panel 302. The receptacle 350 isinstalled in the hole 314 of panel 304 as previously described. Once theairbag is in place the second retaining means 308 is pushed through thereceptacle 350. The resilient fingers 354 will flex under the pressureof the bulbous portion of the tether clip near the end 317 and theresilient fingers will snap back once the resilient fingers 354 clearthe catch surface 334. Because of the angle of the resilient fingersrelative to the catch surface 334, pulling the tether clip 300completely out of receptacle 350 is far more difficult than initiallypushing the bulbous end of the tether clip 300 through the receptacle350. Engagement of the catch surface 334 with the resilient fingers inan attempt to completely pull the tether clip 300 out of the receptacle350 will actually force the resilient fingers toward the center of thehole 314 and into greater interference with the catch surface 334. Thus,the tether clip 300 is prevented from being pulled completely out of thereceptacle 350 unless a force exceeding the second predetermined forceis applied to the panels. The panel 304 can now move freely between theretaining means 308 and the portion 326 of the tether clip 300. Tosecure the panel 302 in its normal position, the larger width portion326 of the tether clip 300 is snapped through or past the resilientfingers 354. The resilient fingers 354 deform by the action of thegradually widening sides of the portions 338 and 326 of the tether clipto allow the widest part of the portion 326 to pass through theresilient fingers 354. The resilient fingers 354 then snap into thenarrowest part of the portion 310 of the tether clip 300 to secure thepanel 302 in the normal position of FIGS. 15 and 16.

[0063] When the airbag inflates, a force in excess of the firstpredetermined value and tending to pull the panels apart is created. Theramped surfaces between the narrowest and widest parts of the portions310 and 326 of the tether clip 300, respectively, spread the resilientfingers 354 apart allowing the receptacle 350 to be released from itsclosed position relative to the tether clip 300. Thus, the panel 302 isreleased from the closed position relative to the panel 304. As theairbag inflates further, the catch surface 334 catches the receptacle350 and consequently the panel 304 and prevents the panel 302 from beingpulled completely free from the vehicle door panel 304. Thus, an openingbetween panels 302 and 304 can be provided for the proper inflation ofthe airbag without allowing the panel 302 to become a projectile. Theresilient fingers 354 are designed such that they fail at forces greaterthan a second predetermined value that is higher than the forcesencountered during airbag deployment. The second predetermined value isusually greater that the first predetermined value. The firstpredetermined value can range from 10 to 50 lbs., and preferably fromabout 20 to about 30 lbs., and even more preferably from 20 to 30 lbs.The second predetermined value can be in the range of 75 lbs. andgreater, and preferably is in the range of about 150 lbs. and greater,and even more preferably is about 150 lbs. The travel between the panels302 and 304 during airbag deployment is about 25 mm.

[0064] In certain applications it may be possible to make the tetherclip 300 integral with the panel 302 such that the panel 302 and theportion of the tether clip 300 extending between the shoulder 316 andthe second end 317 are one piece. An example of such an application isseen in FIG. 28.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 29, a fifth illustrative embodiment of a tetherclip system according to the present invention can be seen. The tetherclip system of FIG. 29 includes a tether clip 400 and a receptacle 450.The receptacle 450 has a central passage 454 and projections 468. Theprojections 468 snap into a panel such as 304. The receptacle 450 has aperipheral groove 452 in a large diameter portion 456 thereof. Thetether clip 400 has a quarter-turn fastener 406 at one end and asomewhat pointed bulbous end 408 at the other end. The quarter-turnfastener fits into a slot in a panel such as panel 302 and is turned aquarter of a turn to fasten the tether clip 400 to the panel. Thebulbous end 408 can be inserted completely through the passage 454, butcan only be pulled out with the greatest difficulty by using a pullingforce exceeding the second predetermined value mentioned previously.Projections 436 resiliently, laterally supported by members 410 snapinto grooves 452 to releasably maintain two panels in a closed positionrelative to one another. If the panels are subjected to a force greaterthan the first predetermined value previously mentioned, the projections436 snap out of the groove 452, thus releasing the panels relative toone another. The opening between the panels is limited by the bulbousend 408 that is supported at a predetermined distance from the members410 by the shaft 438. The members 410 may be part of a cylindrical capthat has the shaft 438 attached to its center, and the projections 436may be formed by an annular inward extending rim or flange.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 30-45, a sixth illustrative embodiment of atether clip system according to the present invention can be seen. Thetether clip system of FIGS. 30-45 includes a tether clip 500, forfastening a first panel 202 relative to a second panel 204, and areceptacle 550 (see FIGS. 9-13 for an illustration of the panels 202 and204). The tether clip 500 comprises a first retaining means 506 adaptedto be securable to the first panel 202; a second retaining means 508that is engageable with the second panel 204 and limits the relativeseparation between the first and second panels; and a releasablefastener means 510 intermediate the first and second retaining means 506and 508. The releasable fastener means 510 is adapted to be releasablyengageable with the second panel 204. The releasable fastener means 510is adapted to normally maintain the first and second panels in a closedconfiguration relative to one another in a manner similar to thatillustrated in reference to the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and11. The releasable fastener means 510 is designed to release the secondpanel 204 in response to a force tending to separate the first andsecond panels that is greater than a first predetermined value, thusallowing the panel 204 to move to the position shown in FIGS. 12 and 13in reference to the third embodiment.

[0067] As was discussed in reference to third embodiment, the firstpanel 202 has a first opening 212 and the second panel 204 has a secondopening 214 (see FIGS. 9-13). The opening 214 is adapted to receive thereceptacle 550. The receptacle 550 has a portion 552 defining areceptacle opening 554 that is aligned with the second opening 214 whenthe receptacle 550 is mounted to the second panel 204. The receptacle550 further comprises at least one flange-like portion 556 adapted toengage a first side of the second panel 204 facing the first panel 202when the receptacle 550 is mounted to the second panel 204. Thereceptacle 550 further comprises a pair of leaf spring members 558. Aplate 560 is attached to the receptacle portion 552. Each leaf springmember 558 has an arcuate portion 562 and an arm portion 564. The leafspring members 558 are made of a resilient material. The arcuate portion562 of each leaf spring member 558 is attached to the plate 560, and thearm portion 564 of each leaf spring member 558 is attached to itsrespective arcuate portion 562. The leaf spring members 558 and theplate 560 together define an approximately W-shaped spring structurethat has outer arms 564 that can be resiliently flexed relative to thecenter of the W-shaped spring structure. Each arm portion 564 has a freeend 566. Each leaf spring member 558 has a projection 568 on itsrespective arm portion 564. The projection 568 has an inclined rampsurface 567 on one side and a catch surface 569 on the other side. Thecatch surface 569 of the projection 568 is engageable to a second sideof the second panel 204 opposite the first side of the second panel,when the receptacle 550 is mounted to the second panel 204, to therebysecure the receptacle 550 to the second panel 204 in a manner similar toreceptacle 250. The receptacle 550 is secured to the second panel 204 ina manner similar to receptacle 250, except that with the receptacle 550the catch surfaces 569 engage the second side of the panel 204 on eitherside of the slot 272. The second side of the panel 204 is the side thatfaces away from the panel 202 when the two panels are fastened togetherby the tether clip 500.

[0068] As with the receptacle 250, the slot 274 provides clearance forthe attachment portion 577 of the tab 578 that is attached to thereceptacle portion 552. The tab 578 has a catch surface 580 thatcontacts the second side of the panel 204 to more strongly retain thereceptacle 550 on the panel 204. The receptacle 550 has an optionalguide fin 582 that fits into the guide notch 276. The guide notch 276and guide fin 582 cooperatively help to align the W-shaped springstructure, defined by the leaf spring members 558 and the plate 560,with the slot 272.

[0069] To install the receptacle 550 to the panel 204, the receptacle550 is canted and the tab 578 is positioned in the slot 274 such thatthe catch surface 580 is positioned under the second side of the panel204 with the guide fin 582 positioned in the guide notch 276. In thisposition, the W-shaped spring structure is aligned with and positionedat least in part in the slot 272. The side of the receptacle portion 552to which the W-shaped spring structure is attached is then pushed intoward the panel 204. As the inclined ramp surfaces 567 of theprojections 568 come into contact with the sides of the slot 272, thearm portions 564 are flexed toward the plate 560 such that theprojections 568 clear the sides of the slot 272. The side of thereceptacle portion 252 to which the W-shaped spring structure isattached is then pushed in further until the underside of the flangeportions 556 contact the first surface of the panel 204. The armportions 564 of the W-shaped spring structure then snap back towardtheir original positions relative to the plate 560 such that the catchsurfaces 569 of the projections 568 snap under the second side of thesecond panel 204 to thereby secure the receptacle 550 to the secondpanel 204. When the receptacle 550 is secured to the panel 204, portionsof the panel 204 around the opening 214 are captured between flange-likeportions 556 on one side and the catch surfaces 569 of the projections568 and the catch surface 580 of the tab 578 on the other side to securethe receptacle 550 to the panel 204.

[0070] An annular shoulder is provided in the bore of the opening 254.In the example of FIGS. 30-45, this annular shoulder is provided by anannular, internal flange 584 provided in the bore of the opening 554.The function of the shoulder in the bore of the opening 554 is explainedbelow.

[0071] The first retaining means 506 comprises a shoulder 516; a firstbody portion 518 projecting from a first side of the shoulder 516 andhaving an end distal from the shoulder 516. The first body portion 518has a first longitudinal axis that is coincident with the longitudinalaxis of the tether clip 500. The first retaining means 506 furtherincludes a first pair of resilient snap legs 520 attached to the firstbody portion 518 proximate the end of the first body portion distal fromthe shoulder 516.

[0072] Each of the first pair of resilient snap legs 520 has a proximalend and a distal end. Each of the first pair of resilient snap legs 520is attached to the first body portion 518 proximate the proximal end ofeach of the first pair of resilient snap legs. Each of the first pair ofresilient snap legs 520 extends from the proximal end thereof generallyin a direction toward a plane coincident with the first side 522 of theshoulder 516 and at least in part diverging away from the longitudinalaxis of the tether clip 500.

[0073] Each of the first pair of resilient snap legs 520 has at leastone notch 524 provided proximate the distal end of each of the firstpair of resilient snap legs 520. When the first retaining means 506 issecured to the first panel 202, at least a portion of the first panel202 proximate the first opening 212 is captured between at least aportion of the shoulder 516 and the notch 524 in each of the first pairof resilient snap legs 520 to thereby secure the tether clip 500 to thefirst panel 202.

[0074] The releasable fastener means 510 comprises a second body portion526 projecting from a second side 528 of the shoulder 516 and has an enddistal from the shoulder 516. The second body portion 526 has a secondlongitudinal axis in line with the first longitudinal axis and thuscoincident with the longitudinal axis of the tether clip 500. Thereleasable fastener means 510 further comprises a second pair ofresilient snap legs 530 attached to the second body portion 526proximate the end of the second body portion distal from the shoulder516.

[0075] Each of the second pair of resilient snap legs 530 has a proximalend and a distal end. Each of the second pair of resilient snap legs 530is attached to the second body portion 526 proximate the proximal end ofeach of the second pair of resilient snap legs 530, and a portion ofeach of the second pair of resilient snap legs 530 extends fromproximate the proximal end of each of the second pair of resilient snaplegs generally in a direction toward a plane coincident with the secondside 528 of the shoulder and that diverges away from the longitudinalaxis of the second body portion 526.

[0076] Each of the second pair of resilient snap legs 530 has a surfaceportion 532 proximate the distal end thereof that converges toward thelongitudinal axis of the tether clip with decreasing distance from thesecond side 528 of the shoulder 516. When the releasable fastener means510 is secured to the second panel 204 via the receptacle 550, at leasta portion of the receptacle 550 proximate the receptacle opening 554 iscaptured between at least a portion of the shoulder 516 and the surfaceportion 532 proximate the distal end of each of the second pair ofresilient snap legs 530 to thereby secure the second panel 204 to thefirst panel 202 in the closed configuration shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.The surface portion 532 proximate the distal end of each of the secondpair of resilient snap legs 530 cooperates with the portion of thereceptacle 550 proximate the receptacle opening 554 to bend the secondpair of resilient snap legs 530 toward the longitudinal axis of thesecond body portion 526 to thereby allow the second panel 204 to bereleased from the releasable fastener means 510, when the releasablefastener means 510 is initially secured to the receptacle 550 installedin the second panel 204 and a force is applied that tends to move thefirst and second panels apart and that is of a magnitude greater thanthe first predetermined value.

[0077] The second retaining means 508 comprises a third pair ofresilient snap legs 536 attached to the releasable fastener means 510proximate the proximal end of each of the second pair of resilient snaplegs 530. The third pair of snap legs 536 extend in a direction awayfrom the shoulder 516 in a fork-like manner. The third pair of resilientsnap legs 536 extend on either side of the longitudinal axis of thetether clip 500 and at least in part extend in a direction divergentfrom the longitudinal axis of the tether clip 500. Each of the thirdpair of snap legs 536 has a terminating end located distally from thereleasable fastener means 510, and each of the third pair of snap legs536 is provided with a snap hook 538 near the terminating end thereof.

[0078] Each snap hook 538 includes a catch surface 540 and a rampsurface 542. The catch surface 540 extends from a respective one of thethird pair of resilient snap legs 536. The catch surface 540 issubstantially perpendicular to the respective one of the third pair ofresilient snap legs 536. The ramp surface 542 extends from the edge,distal from the respective snap leg 536, of the catch surface 540 to theterminating end of the respective one of the third pair of resilientsnap legs 536 such that each of the snap hooks 538 has a semi-arrowheadprofile as illustrated in FIGS. 31 and 33.

[0079] The catch surface 540 of each of the third pair of resilient snaplegs 536 can engage at least a portion of the shoulder defined by theflange 584 in the bore of the receptacle opening 554 to limit theseparation between the first and second panels 202 and 204 when thesecond panel 204 is released by the releasable fastener means 510 afterbeing initially secured to the first panel 202 by the releasablefastener means 510. The snap legs 536 will maintain the panel 204 in aposition similar to the position shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 as long as anyapplied force tending to move the first and second panels 202 and 204further apart is of a magnitude less than a second predetermined value.

[0080] The tether clip 500 may be directly fastened to the second panel204 in the same manner as illustrated in reference to the tether clip ofFIGS. 1-3. However, using the receptacle 550 has several advantages.First, the cost and difficulty of providing the complex geometry of theholes such as those in the panels 104 of FIGS. 1-8 is avoided. By havingbetter control over the geometry and materials of the structures thatcome in contact the releasable fastener means and the second retainingmeans, the required release force specifications can be more accuratelymet. The material of the receptacle 550 can be selected for bettercompatibility with the releasable fastener means and the secondretaining means to reduce wear and damage to these parts. Particularlyif the panels 104 and 204 are of sheet metal, using the receptacle 550can prevent contact between the tether clip and sharp edges in the sheetmetal that could cause the tether clip to fail.

[0081] As an example of the use of the tether clip 500, panel 202 may bethe interior panel of the door of a motor vehicle and the panel 204 maybe the sheet metal of the door. The retaining means 506 is attached tothe panel 202 by pressing in the portion 518 into the hole 212. Thesides of the hole 212 deform the snap legs 520. Once the notches 524clear the panel 202, the snap legs 520 snap open behind the panel 202 tosecure the tether clip 500 to the panel 202. The receptacle 550 isinstalled in the hole 214 of panel 204 as previously described. Once theairbag is in place the snap hooks 538 are pushed through the hole 554 ofthe receptacle 550. During this operation the sides of the hole 554 acton the ramp surfaces 542 to push the snap hooks 538 closer to thelongitudinal axis of the tether clip 500 to allow the snap hooks 538 topass through the hole 554. Once the snap hooks 538 clear the shoulder inthe bore of the hole 554, the snap legs 536 open up and bring the catchsurfaces 540 behind the shoulder in the bore of the hole 554 to preventthe tether clip 500 from being pulled completely out of the receptacle550 unless a force exceeding the second predetermined force is appliedto the panels. The panel 204 can now move freely between the retainingmeans 508 and the releasable fastener means 510. To secure the panel 202in its normal position, the releasable fastener means 510 is snappedinto the hole 554. The snap legs 530 deform by the action of the sidesof the hole 554 to allow the snap legs 530 to pass through the hole 554and open up behind the flange 584 in the opening 554 to secure the panel202 in the normal position similar to that shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0082] When the airbag inflates, a force in excess of the firstpredetermined value and tending to pull the panels apart is created. Theramped surfaces 532 catch the edges of the hole 554 and/or the edge ofthe flange 584 in a cam action that bends the snap legs 530 toward thelongitudinal axis of the tether clip 500. This allows the insertionprocess of the releasable fastener means 510 to be reversed and for thereleasable fastener means 510 to release the panel 204. As the airbaginflates further, the snap hooks 538 catch the receptacle 550 andconsequently the panel 204 and prevent the panel 202 from being pulledcompletely free from the vehicle door panel 204. Thus, an openingbetween panels 202 and 204 can be provided for the proper inflation ofthe airbag without allowing the panel 202 to become a projectile. Thesnap legs 536 and the snap hooks 538 are designed such that they fail atforces greater than a second predetermined value that is higher than theforces encountered during airbag deployment. The second predeterminedvalue is usually greater that the first predetermined value. The firstpredetermined value can range from 10 to 50 lbs., and preferably fromabout 20 to about 30 lbs., and even more preferably from 20 to 30 lbs.The second predetermined value can be in the range of 75 lbs. andgreater, and preferably is in the range of about 150 lbs. and greater,and even more preferably is about 150 lbs. The travel between the panels202 and 204 during airbag deployment is about 25 mm.

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 46-57, a seventh illustrative embodiment of atether clip according to the present invention can be seen. The tetherclip 600 of FIGS. 46-57 is used for fastening a first panel (such aspanel 102) relative to a second panel (such as panel 104). See FIGS. 1-3for an illustration of the panels 102 and 104. The tether clip 600 canbe used with a first panel that has a first, preferably round, opening,and a second panel that has a second, also preferably round, opening.The tether clip 600 comprises a substantially tubular shell 602, arod-like insert 604, and a pair of resilient snap legs 606.

[0084] The substantially tubular shell 602 has a bore, a first end, anda second end. The tubular shell 602 has a plurality of longitudinalslots 608 and 610 at each of the first end and the second end. Portionsof the tubular shell intermediate the plurality of longitudinal slots608 and 610 form a first plurality of resilient fingers 612 and a secondplurality of resilient fingers 614 at the first end and at the secondend, respectively. Each resilient finger 612 has a projection 616 on itsinner surface. Similarly, each resilient finger 614 has a projection 618on its inner surface. The tubular shell 602 is provided with at leastone longitudinal slot 626 passing through the wall of the tubular shell602.

[0085] The rod-like insert 604 is positioned at least in part within thetubular shell 602. The insert 604 is movable between at least first andsecond positions illustrated in FIGS. 50-53 and FIGS. 54-57,respectively. The insert has two portions 620 and 622 that act on theprojections 616 and 618, respectively. Each of the portions 620 and 622has a wide middle portion that tapers on either side to a narrow endportion. The insert 604 also has a slot 624 that is accessible throughthe slot 626 with a tool such as a screwdriver. The slot 624 is shorterthan the slot 626.

[0086] When the insert 604 is in the positions illustrated in FIGS.46-49 and 50-53, the narrow end portions of the portions 620 and 622 arein registry with the projections 616 and 618, respectively. In thisstate the fingers 612 and 614 are in their relaxed state and are spacedrelatively close together at their tips. In this relaxed state, the endsof the tether clip 600 can be easily inserted into holes in panelssimilar to panels 102 and 104.

[0087] Once the ends of the tether clip 600 are inserted through theholes in the respective panels, the insert 604 can be moved to theposition illustrated in FIGS. 54-57, which is referred to as theinstalled position. In the installed position, the wide middle portionsof the portions 620 and 622 are in registry with the projections 616 and618, respectively. In this state the fingers 612 and 614 are spreadapart such that the ends of the tether clip 600 cannot be pulled out ofthe holes in their respective panels. The panel retained by the fingers614 can be relatively moved between the fingers 614 and the pair ofresilient snap legs 606. Thus, the panels are tethered together whileallowing for a controlled, predetermined amount of separation betweenthe panels.

[0088] The pair of resilient snap legs 606 are attached to the tubularshell 602 intermediate the first plurality of resilient fingers 612 andthe second plurality of resilient fingers 614. Each of the pair ofresilient snap legs 606 has a proximal end and a distal end. Each of thepair of resilient snap legs 606 is attached to the tubular shell 602proximate the proximal end of each of the pair of resilient snap legs606. A portion of each of the pair of resilient snap legs 606 extendsfrom proximate the proximal end of each of the pair of resilient snaplegs generally in a direction toward the first plurality of resilientfingers 612 while diverging away from the longitudinal axis of thetubular shell 602. Each of the pair of resilient snap legs 606 has asurface portion 628 proximate the distal end thereof that convergestoward the longitudinal axis of the tubular shell 602 with decreasingdistance from the first end of the tubular shell that includes theresilient fingers 612. The snap legs 606 form the releasable fastenermeans and function in a manner similar to the releasable fastener means510, 210, and 110. When the snap legs 606 are snapped into the hole inthe panel retained by the fingers 614, the panels are releasably securedin the closed configuration. When a force exceeding the firstpredetermined value is applied, the panels can be moved apart thedesired distance while remaining tethered together.

[0089] The first retaining means includes the first plurality ofresilient fingers 612 and the insert portion 620. The second retainingmeans includes the second plurality of resilient fingers 614 and theinsert portion 622.

[0090] The tether clip 600 can have an optional shoulder 630 thatfunctions identically to the shoulders 516, 216 and 116 and ispositioned intermediate the first plurality of resilient fingers 612 andthe pair of resilient snap legs 606.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 58-64, an eighth embodiment of the tether clip700 can be seen. The tether clip 700 has an elongated body 702 having afirst end and a second end. The elongated body has a firstarrowhead-shaped portion 704 at the first end is thereof. The elongatedbody has a second arrowhead-shaped portion 706 at the second endthereof. The elongated body has a longitudinal axis extending from avertex of the first arrowhead-shaped portion 704 to a vertex of thesecond arrowhead-shaped portion 706. The first arrowhead-shaped portion704 has a curved cross section taken in a plane perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the elongated body 702. The second arrowhead-shapedportion 706 has a curved cross section taken in a plane perpendicular tothe longitudinal axis of the elongated body 702.

[0092] The tether clip 700 also has a pair of resilient snap legs 708attached to the elongated body intermediate the first arrowhead-shapedportion 704 and the second arrowhead-shaped portion 706. The firstretaining means includes the first arrowhead-shaped portion 704, thesecond retaining means includes the second arrowhead-shaped portion 706,and the releasable fastener means includes the pair of resilient snaplegs 708.

[0093] Each of the pair of resilient snap legs 708 has a proximal endand a distal end. Each of the pair of resilient snap legs 708 isattached to the elongated body proximate the proximal end of each of thepair of resilient snap legs. A portion of each of the pair of resilientsnap legs 708 extends from proximate the proximal end of each of thepair of resilient snap legs generally in a direction toward the firstarrowhead-shaped portion and diverging away from the longitudinal axisof the elongated body. Each of the pair of resilient snap legs has asurface portion 710 proximate the distal end thereof that convergestoward the longitudinal axis of the elongated body 702 with decreasingdistance from the first arrowhead-shaped portion 704. The snap legs 708function in a similar manner to the snap legs 606, 530, 230, and 130.When the releasable fastener means is secured to the second panel atleast a portion of the second panel is captured intermediate the firstpanel and the surface portion proximate the distal end of each of thepair of resilient snap legs to thereby secure the second panel to thefirst panel in the closed configuration. The surface portion proximatethe distal end of each of the second pair of resilient snap legscooperates with a portion of the second panel proximate the secondopening to bend the pair of resilient snap legs toward the longitudinalaxis of the elongated body to thereby allow the second panel to bereleased from the releasable fastener means when the tether clip ismounted to the first panel, the releasable fastener means is initiallysecured to the second panel with the first and second panels in theclosed configuration, and a force is applied that tends to move thefirst and second panels apart and that is of a magnitude greater thanthe first predetermined value.

[0094] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limitedto the embodiments described above, but includes any and all embodimentswithin the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, it is to beunderstood that the embodiments of the present invention disclosed aboveare susceptible to various modifications, changes and adaptations bythose skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention.

1. A tether clip for fastening a first panel relative to a second panel,the tether clip comprising: a first retaining means adapted to besecurable to the first panel; a second retaining means that isengageable with the second panel and limits the relative separationbetween the first and second panels; and a releasable fastener meansintermediate said first and second retaining means and being adapted tobe releasably engageable with the second panel, said releasable fastenermeans being adapted to normally maintain the first and second panels ina closed configuration relative to one another, and wherein saidreleasable fastener means releases the second panel in response to aforce tending to separate the first and second panels that is greaterthan a first predetermined value.
 2. The tether clip according to claim1, wherein the first panel has a first opening, the second panel has asecond opening, and said first retaining means comprises: a shoulder; afirst body portion projecting from a first side of said shoulder andhaving an end distal from said shoulder, said first body portion havinga first longitudinal axis; and a first pair of resilient snap legsattached to said first body portion proximate said end of said firstbody portion distal from said shoulder.
 3. The tether clip according toclaim 2, wherein each of said first pair of resilient snap legs has aproximal end and a distal end, each of said first pair of resilient snaplegs is attached to said first body portion proximate said proximal endof each of said first pair of resilient snap legs, and each of saidfirst pair of resilient snap legs extends from said proximal end thereofgenerally in a direction toward a plane coincident with said first sideof said shoulder and at least in part diverging away from said firstlongitudinal axis.
 4. The tether clip according to claim 3, wherein eachof said first pair of resilient snap legs has at least one notchprovided proximate said distal end of each of said first pair ofresilient snap legs, wherein when said first retaining means is securedto the first panel at least a portion of the first panel proximate thefirst opening is captured between at least a portion of said shoulderand said notch in each of said first pair of resilient snap legs tothereby secure the tether clip to the first panel.
 5. The tether clipaccording to claim 4, wherein said releasable fastener means comprises:a second body portion projecting from a second side of said shoulder andhaving an end distal from said shoulder, said second body portion havinga second longitudinal axis in line with said first longitudinal axis;and a second pair of resilient snap legs attached to said second bodyportion proximate said end of said second body portion distal from saidshoulder.
 6. The tether clip according to claim 5, wherein each of saidsecond pair of resilient snap legs has a proximal end and a distal end,each of said second pair of resilient snap legs is attached to saidsecond body portion proximate said proximal end of each of said secondpair of resilient snap legs, and a portion of each of said second pairof resilient snap legs extends from proximate said proximal end of eachof said second pair of resilient snap legs generally in a directiontoward a plane coincident with said second side of said shoulder anddiverging away from said second longitudinal axis.
 7. The tether clipaccording to claim 6, wherein each of said second pair of resilient snaplegs has a surface portion proximate said distal end thereof thatconverges toward said second longitudinal axis with decreasing distancefrom said second side of said shoulder, wherein when said releasablefastener means is secured to the second panel at least a portion of thesecond panel proximate the second opening is captured between at least aportion of said shoulder and said surface portion proximate said distalend of each of said second pair of resilient snap legs to thereby securethe second panel to the first panel in the closed configuration, andwherein said surface portion proximate said distal end of each of saidsecond pair of resilient snap legs cooperates with the portion of thesecond panel proximate the second opening to bend said second pair ofresilient snap legs toward said second longitudinal axis to therebyallow the second panel to be released from said releasable fastenermeans when said releasable fastener means is initially secured to thesecond panel and a force tending to move the first and second panelsapart and of a magnitude greater than said first predetermined value isapplied.
 8. The tether clip according to claim 7, wherein said secondretaining means comprises: a third body portion attached to saidreleasable fastener means proximate said proximal end of each of saidsecond pair of resilient snap legs, said third body portion having anend distal from said releasable fastener means, said third body portionhaving a third longitudinal axis in line with said second longitudinalaxis; and a third pair of resilient snap legs attached to said thirdbody portion proximate said end of said third body portion distal fromsaid releasable fastener means.
 9. The tether clip according to claim 8,wherein each of said third pair of resilient snap legs has a proximalend and a distal end, each of said third pair of resilient snap legs isattached to said third body portion proximate said proximal end of eachof said third pair of resilient snap legs, and each of said third pairof resilient snap legs extends from said proximal end thereof generallyin a direction toward a plane coinciding with said second side of saidshoulder and at least in part diverging away from said thirdlongitudinal axis.
 10. The tether clip according to claim 9, whereineach of said third pair of resilient snap legs has at least one notchprovided proximate said distal end of each of said third pair ofresilient snap legs, wherein said notch in each of said third pair ofresilient snap legs can engage at least a portion of the second panelproximate the second opening to limit the separation between said firstand second panels when the second panel is released by said releasablefastener means after being initially secured to the first panel by saidreleasable fastener means and any applied force tending to move thefirst and second panels further apart is of a magnitude less than asecond predetermined value.
 11. The tether clip according to claim 10,wherein a medial plane passing through both said second pair ofresilient snap legs is substantially at a right angle measured aboutsaid third longitudinal axis relative to a medial plane passing throughboth said third pair of resilient snap legs.
 12. The tether clipaccording to claim 10, wherein said shoulder has a first portionadjacent said first body portion and a second portion adjacent saidsecond body portion, said first portion of said shoulder having adimension perpendicular to said first and second longitudinal axes thatis less than a dimension perpendicular to said first and secondlongitudinal axes of said second portion of said shoulder such that saidshoulder has a surface that is depressed relative to said first side ofsaid shoulder.
 13. A tether clip system for fastening a first panelrelative to a second panel, the tether clip system comprising: a tetherclip comprising: a first retaining means adapted to be securable to thefirst panel; a second retaining means that is engageable with the secondpanel and limits the relative separation between the first and secondpanels; and a releasable fastener means intermediate said first andsecond retaining means and being adapted to be releasably engageablewith the second panel, said releasable fastener means being adapted tonormally maintain the first and second panels in a closed configurationrelative to one another, and wherein said releasable fastener meansreleases the second panel in response to a force tending to separate thefirst and second panels that is greater than a first predeterminedvalue; and means for increasing retention strength between said secondretaining means and the second panel after the second panel has beenreleased from said releasable fastener means.
 14. The tether clip systemaccording to claim 13, wherein the first panel has a first opening andsaid means for increasing retention strength comprises: a portion of thesecond panel having a second opening therein; a first pair of regions ofsaid portion of the second panel adjacent said second opening, saidfirst pair of regions being located on opposite sides of said secondopening along a first axis, each of said first pair of regions at leastin part projecting outward from a first side of the second panel facingthe first panel to form a pair of ramped surfaces inclined relative to amedial plane of said portion of the second panel having said secondopening therein; and a second pair of regions of said portion of thesecond panel adjacent said second opening, said second pair of regionsbeing located on opposite sides of said second opening along a secondaxis, said second axis being perpendicular to said first axis in planview, each of said second pair of regions at least in part projectingoutward from a second side of the second panel opposite the first sideof the second panel.
 15. The tether clip system according to claim 14,wherein said first retaining means comprises comprises: a shoulder; afirst body portion projecting from a first side of said shoulder andhaving an end distal from said shoulder, said first body portion havinga first longitudinal axis; and a first pair of resilient snap legsattached to said first body portion proximate said end of said firstbody portion distal from said shoulder.
 16. The tether clip systemaccording to claim 15, wherein each of said first pair of resilient snaplegs has a proximal end and a distal end, each of said first pair ofresilient snap legs is attached to said first body portion proximatesaid proximal end of each of said first pair of resilient snap legs, andeach of said first pair of resilient snap legs extends from saidproximal end thereof generally in a direction toward a plane coincidentwith said first side of said shoulder and at least in part divergingaway from said first longitudinal axis.
 17. The tether clip systemaccording to claim 16, wherein each of said first pair of resilient snaplegs has at least one notch provided proximate said distal end of eachof said first pair of resilient snap legs, wherein when said firstretaining means is secured to the first panel at least a portion of thefirst panel proximate the first opening is captured between at least aportion of said shoulder and said notch in each of said first pair ofresilient snap legs to thereby secure the tether clip to the firstpanel.
 18. The tether clip system according to claim 17, wherein saidreleasable fastener means comprises: a second body portion projectingfrom a second side of said shoulder and having an end distal from saidshoulder, said second body portion having a second longitudinal axis inline with said first longitudinal axis; and a second pair of resilientsnap legs attached to said second body portion proximate said end ofsaid second body portion distal from said shoulder.
 19. The tether clipsystem according to claim 18, wherein each of said second pair ofresilient snap legs has a proximal end and a distal end, each of saidsecond pair of resilient snap legs is attached to said second bodyportion proximate said proximal end of each of said second pair ofresilient snap legs, and a portion of each of said second pair ofresilient snap legs extends from proximate said proximal end of each ofsaid second pair of resilient snap legs generally in a direction towarda plane coincident with said second side of said shoulder and divergingaway from said second longitudinal axis.
 20. The tether clip systemaccording to claim 19, wherein each of said second pair of resilientsnap legs has a surface portion proximate said distal end thereof thatconverges toward said second longitudinal axis with decreasing distancefrom said second side of said shoulder, wherein when said releasablefastener means is secured to the second panel at least a portion of thesecond panel proximate said second opening is captured between at leasta portion of said shoulder and said surface portion proximate saiddistal end of each of said second pair of resilient snap legs to therebysecure the second panel to the first panel in the closed configuration,and wherein said surface portion proximate said distal end of each ofsaid second pair of resilient snap legs cooperates with the portion ofthe second panel proximate said second opening to bend said second pairof resilient snap legs toward said second longitudinal axis to therebyallow the second panel to be released from said releasable fastenermeans when said releasable fastener means is initially secured to thesecond panel and a force tending to move the first and second panelsapart and of a magnitude greater than said first predetermined value isapplied.
 21. The tether clip system according to claim 20, wherein saidsecond retaining means comprises: a third body portion attached to saidreleasable fastener means proximate said proximal end of each of saidsecond pair of resilient snap legs, said third body portion having anend distal from said releasable fastener means, said third body portionhaving a third longitudinal axis in line with said second longitudinalaxis; and a third pair of resilient snap legs attached to said thirdbody portion proximate said end of said third body portion distal fromsaid releasable fastener means.
 22. The tether clip system according toclaim 21, wherein each of said third pair of resilient snap legs has aproximal end and a distal end, each of said third pair of resilient snaplegs is attached to said third body portion proximate said proximal endof each of said third pair of resilient snap legs, and each of saidthird pair of resilient snap legs extends from said proximal end thereofgenerally in a direction toward a plane coinciding with said second sideof said shoulder and at least in part diverging away from said thirdlongitudinal axis.
 23. The tether clip system according to claim 22,wherein each of said third pair of resilient snap legs has at least onenotch provided proximate said distal end of each of said third pair ofresilient snap legs, wherein said notch in each of said third pair ofresilient snap legs can engage at least a portion of the second panelproximate said second opening to limit the separation between said firstand second panels when the second panel is released by said releasablefastener means after being initially secured to the first panel by saidreleasable fastener means and any applied force tending to move thefirst and second panels further apart is of a magnitude less than asecond predetermined value.
 24. The tether clip system according toclaim 23, wherein a medial plane passing through both said second pairof resilient snap legs is substantially at a right angle measured aboutsaid third longitudinal axis relative to a medial plane passing throughboth said third pair of resilient snap legs.
 25. The tether clip systemaccording to claim 23, wherein said shoulder has a first portionadjacent said first body portion and a second portion adjacent saidsecond body portion, said first portion of said shoulder having adimension perpendicular to said first and second longitudinal axes thatis less than a dimension perpendicular to said first and secondlongitudinal axes of said second portion of said shoulder such that saidshoulder has a surface that is depressed relative to said first side ofsaid shoulder.
 26. A tether clip system for fastening a first panelhaving a first opening in a closed configuration relative to a secondpanel having a second opening, the tether clip system comprising: areceptacle adapted for mounting to the second opening in the secondpanel; a tether clip comprising: a first retaining means adapted to besecurable to the first panel; and a second retaining means that engageswith said receptacle when said receptacle is mounted to the secondpanel, said tether clip is mounted to said first panel, and the firstand second panels are in an open configuration relative to one another,in order to limit the relative separation between the first and secondpanels; and a releasable fastener means adapted to releasably engagesaid tether clip to said receptacle when said receptacle is mounted tothe second panel, said tether clip is mounted to said first panel, andthe first and second panels are in a closed configuration relative toone another, said releasable fastener means being adapted to normallymaintain the first and second panels in a closed configuration relativeto one another wherein said receptacle is also in a closed positionrelative to said tether clip, and wherein said releasable fastener meansallows said receptacle to be released from its closed position relativeto said tether clip in response to a force tending to separate the firstand second panels that is greater than a first predetermined value. 27.The tether clip system according to claim 26, wherein said firstretaining means comprises comprises: a shoulder; a first body portionprojecting from a first side of said shoulder and having an end distalfrom said shoulder, said first body portion having a first longitudinalaxis; and a first pair of resilient snap legs attached to said firstbody portion proximate said end of said first body portion distal fromsaid shoulder.
 28. The tether clip system according to claim 27, whereineach of said first pair of resilient snap legs has a proximal end and adistal end, each of said first pair of resilient snap legs is attachedto said first body portion proximate said proximal end of each of saidfirst pair of resilient snap legs, and each of said first pair ofresilient snap legs extends from said proximal end thereof generally ina direction toward a plane coincident with said first side of saidshoulder and at least in part diverging away from said firstlongitudinal axis.
 29. The tether clip system according to claim 28,wherein each of said first pair of resilient snap legs has at least onenotch provided proximate said distal end of each of said first pair ofresilient snap legs, wherein when said first retaining means is securedto the first panel at least a portion of the first panel proximate thefirst opening is captured between at least a portion of said shoulderand said notch in each of said first pair of resilient snap legs tothereby secure the tether clip to the first panel.
 30. The tether clipsystem according to claim 29, wherein said releasable fastener meanscomprises: a second body portion projecting from a second side of saidshoulder and having an end distal from said shoulder, said second bodyportion having a second longitudinal axis in line with said firstlongitudinal axis; and a second pair of resilient snap legs attached tosaid second body portion proximate said end of said second body portiondistal from said shoulder.
 31. The tether clip system according to claim30, wherein each of said second pair of resilient snap legs has aproximal end and a distal end, each of said second pair of resilientsnap legs is attached to said second body portion proximate saidproximal end of each of said second pair of resilient snap legs, and aportion of each of said second pair of resilient snap legs extends fromproximate said proximal end of each of said second pair of resilientsnap legs generally in a direction toward a plane coincident with saidsecond side of said shoulder and diverging away from said secondlongitudinal axis.
 32. The tether clip system according to claim 31,wherein each of said second pair of resilient snap legs has a surfaceportion proximate said distal end thereof that converges toward saidsecond longitudinal axis with decreasing distance from said second sideof said shoulder, wherein when said releasable fastener means is securedto said receptacle at least a portion of said receptacle is capturedbetween at least a portion of said shoulder and said surface portionproximate said distal end of each of said second pair of resilient snaplegs to thereby secure the second panel to the first panel in the closedconfiguration, and wherein said surface portion proximate said distalend of each of said second pair of resilient snap legs cooperates withsaid at least a portion of said receptacle to bend said second pair ofresilient snap legs toward said second longitudinal axis to therebyallow the second panel to be released from said releasable fastenermeans when said tether clip is mounted to the first panel, saidreceptacle is mounted to the second panel, said releasable fastenermeans is initially secured to said receptacle with the first and secondpanels in said closed configuration, and a force tending to move thefirst and second panels apart and of a magnitude greater than said firstpredetermined value is applied.
 33. The tether clip system according toclaim 32, wherein said second retaining means comprises: a third bodyportion attached to said releasable fastener means proximate saidproximal end of each of said second pair of resilient snap legs, saidthird body portion having an end distal from said releasable fastenermeans, said third body portion having a third longitudinal axis in linewith said second longitudinal axis; and a third pair of resilient snaplegs attached to said third body portion proximate said end of saidthird body portion distal from said releasable fastener means.
 34. Thetether clip system according to claim 33, wherein each of said thirdpair of resilient snap legs has a proximal end and a distal end, each ofsaid third pair of resilient snap legs is attached to said third bodyportion proximate said proximal end of each of said third pair ofresilient snap legs, and each of said third pair of resilient snap legsextends from said proximal end thereof generally in a direction toward aplane coinciding with said second side of said shoulder and at least inpart diverging away from said third longitudinal axis.
 35. The tetherclip system according to claim 34, wherein each of said third pair ofresilient snap legs has at least one notch provided proximate saiddistal end of each of said third pair of resilient snap legs, whereinsaid notch in each of said third pair of resilient snap legs can engageat least a portion of said receptacle to limit the separation betweensaid first and second panels when the second panel is released by saidreleasable fastener means after being initially secured to the firstpanel by said releasable fastener means and any applied force tending tomove the first and second panels further apart is of a magnitude lessthan a second predetermined value.
 36. The tether clip system accordingto claim 35, wherein a medial plane passing through both said secondpair of resilient snap legs is substantially coplanar with a medialplane passing through both said third pair of resilient snap legs. 37.The tether clip system according to claim 26, wherein said receptaclehas a portion defining a receptacle opening that is aligned with thesecond opening when said receptacle is mounted to the second panel, andsaid receptacle comprises: at least one flange-like portion adapted toengage a first side of the second panel facing the first panel when saidreceptacle is mounted to the second panel; and a U-shaped leaf springmember having a first terminus and a second terminus, said U-shaped leafspring member having a first arm portion adjacent said first terminusand a second arm portion adjacent said second terminus, said U-shapedleaf spring member being attached proximate said first terminus to saidportion defining said receptacle opening, said U-shaped leaf springmember having a projection on said second arm member, said projectionhaving an inclined ramp surface on one side and a catch surface on theother side, said catch surface being engageable to a second side of thesecond panel opposite the first side of the second panel when saidreceptacle is mounted to the second panel to thereby secure saidreceptacle to the second panel.
 38. The tether clip system according toclaim 26, wherein said tether clip comprises: an elongated body having alongitudinal axis, a first end, a second end, a shoulder intermediatesaid first end and said second end, a portion having a first maximumwidth and located intermediate said shoulder and said second end, aportion having a second maximum width greater than said first maximumwidth and located intermediate said portion having said first maximumwidth and said second end, a portion having a third maximum width lessthan said second maximum width and located intermediate said portionhaving said second maximum width and said second end, and a catchsurface spaced apart from said portion having said second maximum widthand with said portion having said third maximum width being locatedintermediate said portion having said second maximum width and saidcatch surface; and a pair of resilient snap legs attached to saidelongated body at a location along a portion of said elongated bodyextending from said shoulder to said first end of said elongated bodyand including said first end of said elongated body.
 39. The tether clipsystem according to claim 38, wherein each of said pair of resilientsnap legs has a proximal end and a distal end, each of said pair ofresilient snap legs is attached to said elongated body proximate saidproximal end of each of said pair of resilient snap legs, and each ofsaid pair of resilient snap legs extends from said proximal end thereofgenerally in a direction toward a plane coincident with said shoulderand at least in part diverging away from said longitudinal axis of saidelongated body.
 40. The tether clip system according to claim 39,wherein each of said pair of resilient snap legs has at least one notchprovided proximate said distal end of each of said pair of resilientsnap legs, wherein said first retaining means comprises said pair ofresilient snap legs, and wherein when said first retaining means issecured to the first panel at least a portion of the first panelproximate the first opening is captured between at least a portion ofsaid shoulder and said notch in each of said pair of resilient snap legsto thereby secure said tether clip to the first panel.
 41. The tetherclip system according to claim 40, wherein said receptacle comprises: areceptacle body portion; at least one flange-like portion attached tosaid receptacle body portion and adapted to engage a first side of thesecond panel facing the first panel when said receptacle is mounted tothe second panel; a U-shaped leaf spring member having a first terminusand a second terminus, said U-shaped leaf spring member having a firstarm portion adjacent said first terminus and a second arm portionadjacent said second terminus, said U-shaped leaf spring member beingattached proximate said first terminus to said receptacle body portion,said U-shaped leaf spring member having a projection on said second armmember, said projection having an inclined ramp surface on one side anda catch surface on the other side, said catch surface being engageableto a second side of the second panel opposite the first side of thesecond panel when said receptacle is mounted to the second panel tothereby secure said receptacle to the second panel; and a resilientfinger attached to said receptacle body portion, said resilient fingerbeing engageable with said portion of said elongated body having saidfirst maximum width to thereby releasably retain said receptacle in aclosed position relative to said tether clip, and wherein saidreleasable fastener means comprises said resilient finger and saidportion of said elongated body having said first maximum width.
 42. Thetether clip system according to claim 26, wherein said receptaclecomprises: a receptacle body portion having at least one flange-likeportion adapted to engage a first side of the second panel facing thefirst panel when said receptacle is mounted to the second panel; aU-shaped leaf spring member having a first terminus and a secondterminus, said U-shaped leaf spring member having a first arm portionadjacent said first terminus and a second arm portion adjacent saidsecond terminus, said U-shaped leaf spring member being attachedproximate said first terminus to said receptacle body portion, saidU-shaped leaf spring member having a projection on said second armmember, said projection having an inclined ramp surface on one side anda catch surface on the other side, said catch surface being engageableto a second side of the second panel opposite the first side of thesecond panel when said receptacle is mounted to the second panel tothereby secure said receptacle to the second panel; and resilient fingerattached to said receptacle body portion, said resilient finger beingengageable with said tether clip to thereby releasably retain saidreceptacle in a closed position relative to said tether clip, andwherein said releasable fastener means comprises said resilient finger.43. The tether clip system according to claim 42, wherein said tetherclip comprises: an elongated body having a longitudinal axis, a firstend, a second end, a shoulder intermediate said first end and saidsecond end, a depression intermediate said shoulder and said second end,and a catch surface spaced apart from said depression with saiddepression being intermediate said shoulder and said catch surface; anda pair of resilient snap legs attached to said elongated body at alocation along a portion of said elongated body extending from saidshoulder to said first end of said elongated body and including saidfirst end of said elongated body, and wherein said resilient finger isengageable with said depression in said elongated body to therebyreleasably retain said receptacle in a closed position relative to saidtether clip, and wherein said releasable fastener means furthercomprises said depression in said elongated body.
 44. The tether clipsystem according to claim 43, wherein each of said pair of resilientsnap legs has a proximal end and a distal end, each of said pair ofresilient snap legs is attached to said elongated body proximate saidproximal end of each of said pair of resilient snap legs, and each ofsaid pair of resilient snap legs extends from said proximal end thereofgenerally in a direction toward a plane coincident with said shoulderand at least in part diverging away from said longitudinal axis of saidelongated body.
 45. The tether clip system according to claim 44,wherein each of said pair of resilient snap legs has at least one notchprovided proximate said distal end of each of said pair of resilientsnap legs, wherein said first retaining means comprises said pair ofresilient snap legs, and wherein when said first retaining means issecured to the first panel at least a portion of the first panelproximate the first opening is captured between at least a portion ofsaid shoulder and said notch in each of said pair of resilient snap legsto thereby secure said tether clip to the first panel.
 46. The tetherclip system according to claim 26, wherein said first retaining meanscomprises: a quarter-turn fastener portion forming part of said tetherclip.
 47. A tether clip system for use with a structure having anopening, the tether clip system comprising: a panel; an elongated bodyhaving a longitudinal axis, a first end, a second end, a depressionintermediate said first end and said second end, and a catch surfacespaced apart from said depression with said depression beingintermediate said first end and said catch surface, said elongated bodybeing attached to said panel at said first end of said elongated body;and a receptacle adapted for mounting to the opening in the structure,said receptacle having at least one resilient finger, wherein saidresilient finger is engageable with said depression in said elongatedbody to thereby releasably retain said receptacle in a closed positionrelative to said panel, and wherein said catch surface engages with saidreceptacle when said receptacle is mounted to the structure having theopening and when the structure and said panel are in an openconfiguration relative to one another, in order to limit the relativeseparation between the structure and said panel.
 48. The tether clipsystem according to claim 47, wherein said panel and said elongated bodyare of one-piece construction.
 49. The tether clip system according toclaim 47, wherein said receptacle is released from said closed positionrelative to said panel in response to a force tending to move saidreceptacle away from said panel that is greater than a firstpredetermined force, and wherein said catch surface engages with saidreceptacle to limit the relative separation between the structure andsaid panel when said receptacle is mounted to the structure having theopening and when the structure and said panel are in an openconfiguration relative to one another, as long as any force tending tomove the structure and said panel farther apart is not greater than asecond predetermined force.
 50. A tether clip for fastening a firstpanel having a first opening in a closed configuration relative to asecond panel provided with means that are releasably engageable with aportion of the tether clip, the tether clip comprising: a firstretaining means adapted to be securable to the first panel; a secondretaining means that limits the relative separation between the firstand second panels to a predetermined distance when the tether clip ismounted to said first panel, and the first and second panels are in anopen configuration relative to one another; and an elongated bodyportion having a longitudinal axis and defining a depressionintermediate said first retaining means and said second retaining means,wherein the means that are releasably engageable with a portion of thetether clip are engageable with said depression in said elongated bodyportion to thereby releasably retain the first panel in the closedconfiguration relative to the second panel.
 51. The tether clipaccording to claim 2, wherein said releasable fastener means comprises:a second body portion projecting from a second side of said shoulder andhaving an end distal from said shoulder, said second body portion havinga second longitudinal axis in line with said first longitudinal axis;and a second pair of resilient snap legs attached to said second bodyportion proximate said end of said second body portion distal from saidshoulder.
 52. The tether clip according to claim 51, wherein each ofsaid second pair of resilient snap legs has a proximal end and a distalend, each of said second pair of resilient snap legs is attached to saidsecond body portion proximate said proximal end of each of said secondpair of resilient snap legs, and wherein said second retaining meanscomprises: a third pair of resilient snap legs attached to saidreleasable fastener means proximate said proximal end of each of saidsecond pair of resilient snap legs, said third pair of snap legsextending away from said shoulder in a fork-like manner, each of saidthird pair of snap legs having a terminating end located distally fromsaid releasable fastener means, and each of said third pair of snap legsbeing provided with a snap hook near said terminating end thereof. 53.The tether clip according to claim 52, wherein each said snap hookcomprises: a catch surface extending from a respective one of said thirdpair of resilient snap legs, said catch surface being substantiallyperpendicular to said respective one of said third pair of resilientsnap legs; and a ramp surface extending from said catch surface to saidterminating end of said respective one of said third pair of resilientsnap legs such that each said snap hook has a semi-arrowhead profile.54. The tether clip according to claim 53, wherein a portion of each ofsaid second pair of resilient snap legs extends from proximate saidproximal end of each of said second pair of resilient snap legsgenerally in a direction toward a plane coincident with said second sideof said shoulder and diverging away from said second longitudinal axis,and wherein each of said second pair of resilient snap legs has asurface portion proximate said distal end thereof that converges towardsaid second longitudinal axis with decreasing distance from said secondside of said shoulder, wherein when said releasable fastener means issecured to the second panel at least a portion of the second panelproximate the second opening is captured between at least a portion ofsaid shoulder and said surface portion proximate said distal end of eachof said second pair of resilient snap legs to thereby secure the secondpanel to the first panel in the closed configuration, and wherein saidsurface portion proximate said distal end of each of said second pair ofresilient snap legs cooperates with the portion of the second panelproximate the second opening to bend said second pair of resilient snaplegs toward said second longitudinal axis to thereby allow the secondpanel to be released from said releasable fastener means when saidreleasable fastener means is initially secured to the second panel andthen a force tending to move the first and second panels apart and of amagnitude greater than said first predetermined value is applied. 55.The tether clip system according to claim 32, wherein said secondretaining means comprises: a third pair of resilient snap legs attachedto said releasable fastener means proximate said proximal end of each ofsaid second pair of resilient snap legs, said third pair of snap legsextending away from said shoulder in a fork-like manner, each of saidthird pair of snap legs having a terminating end located distally fromsaid releasable fastener means, and each of said third pair of snap legsbeing provided with a snap hook near said terminating end thereof. 56.The tether clip according to claim 1, wherein the first panel has afirst opening, the second panel has a second opening, and the tetherclip comprises: a substantially tubular shell having a bore, a firstend, and a second end, said tubular shell having a first plurality ofresilient fingers and a second plurality of resilient fingers at saidfirst end and at said second end, respectively; a rod-like insertpositioned at least in part within said tubular shell, said insert beingmovable between at least first and second positions, wherein said insertspreads said first and second plurality of resilient fingers apart whenin said first position and said insert allows said first and secondplurality of resilient fingers to assume a more closely spacedconfiguration when in said second position; and a pair of resilient snaplegs attached to said tubular shell intermediate said first plurality ofresilient fingers and said second plurality of resilient fingers,wherein said first retaining means includes said first plurality ofresilient fingers, said second retaining means includes said secondplurality of resilient fingers, and said releasable fastener meansincludes said pair of resilient snap legs.
 57. The tether clip accordingto claim 56, further comprising a shoulder positioned intermediate saidfirst plurality of resilient fingers and said pair of resilient snaplegs.
 58. The tether clip according to claim 57, wherein each of saidpair of resilient snap legs has a proximal end and a distal end, each ofsaid pair of resilient snap legs is attached to said tubular shellproximate said proximal end of each of said pair of resilient snap legs,a portion of each of said pair of resilient snap legs extends fromproximate said proximal end of each of said pair of resilient snap legsgenerally in a direction toward said first plurality of resilientfingers and diverging away from a longitudinal axis of said tubularshell, wherein each of said pair of resilient snap legs has a surfaceportion proximate said distal end thereof that converges toward saidlongitudinal axis of said tubular shell with decreasing distance fromsaid first end of said tubular shell, wherein when said releasablefastener means is secured to the second panel at least a portion of saidsecond panel is captured between at least a portion of said shoulder andsaid surface portion proximate said distal end of each of said pair ofresilient snap legs to thereby secure the second panel to the firstpanel in the closed configuration, and wherein said surface portionproximate said distal end of each of said second pair of resilient snaplegs cooperates with a portion of the second panel proximate the secondopening to bend said pair of resilient snap legs toward saidlongitudinal axis of said tubular shell to thereby allow the secondpanel to be released from said releasable fastener means when saidtether clip is mounted to the first panel, said releasable fastenermeans is initially secured to the second panel with the first and secondpanels in the closed configuration, and a force is applied that tends tomove the first and second panels apart and that is of a magnitudegreater than said first predetermined value.
 59. The tether clipaccording to claim 1, wherein the first panel has a first opening, thesecond panel has a second opening, and the tether clip comprises: anelongated body having a first end and a second end, said elongated bodyhaving a first arrowhead-shaped portion at said first end thereof, saidelongated body having a second arrowhead-shaped portion at said secondend thereof, said elongated body having a longitudinal axis extendingfrom a vertex of said first arrowhead-shaped portion to a vertex of saidsecond arrowhead-shaped portion, said first arrowhead-shaped portionhaving a curved cross section taken in a plane perpendicular to saidlongitudinal axis of said elongated body, said second arrowhead-shapedportion having a curved cross section taken in a plane perpendicular tosaid longitudinal axis of said elongated body; and a pair of resilientsnap legs attached to said elongated body intermediate said firstarrowhead-shaped portion and said second arrowhead-shaped portion,wherein said first retaining means includes said first arrowhead-shapedportion, said second retaining means includes said secondarrowhead-shaped portion, and said releasable fastener means includessaid pair of resilient snap legs.
 60. The tether clip according to claim59, wherein each of said pair of resilient snap legs has a proximal endand a distal end, each of said pair of resilient snap legs is attachedto said elongated body proximate said proximal end of each of said pairof resilient snap legs, a portion of each of said pair of resilient snaplegs extends from proximate said proximal end of each of said pair ofresilient snap legs generally in a direction toward said firstarrowhead-shaped portion and diverging away from said longitudinal axisof said elongated body, wherein each of said pair of resilient snap legshas a surface portion proximate said distal end thereof that convergestoward said longitudinal axis of said elongated body with decreasingdistance from said first arrowhead-shaped portion, wherein when saidreleasable fastener means is secured to the second panel at least aportion of said second panel is captured intermediate the first paneland said surface portion proximate said distal end of each of said pairof resilient snap legs to thereby secure the second panel to the firstpanel in the closed configuration, and wherein said surface portionproximate said distal end of each of said second pair of resilient snaplegs cooperates with a portion of the second panel proximate the secondopening to bend said pair of resilient snap legs toward saidlongitudinal axis of said elongated body to thereby allow the secondpanel to be released from said releasable fastener means when saidtether clip is mounted to the first panel, said releasable fastenermeans is initially secured to the second panel with the first and secondpanels in the closed configuration, and a force is applied that tends tomove the first and second panels apart and that is of a magnitudegreater than said first predetermined value.